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Down Syndrome, Ages 5 to 13

Topic Overview

If your child with
Down syndrome is between the ages of 5 and 13, you
will likely have ongoing questions and concerns. Your doctor can help answer
your questions. And he or she can guide you to appropriate resources to help you manage your
feelings and plan for your child's long-term care needs.

Your doctor will likely address a variety of issues during
your child's regularly scheduled checkups. In addition to talking about health problems, your doctor may talk with you and your child about concerns like:

Growth and development. Discuss how self-help
skills (such as grooming and dressing) are developing and whether your child is
gaining a sense of responsibility. As your child approaches puberty, discuss
physical and sexual development, including any concerns you have about
menstrual hygiene and management, fertility, and
contraception.

Diet and exercise. Because excessive weight gain is
common for children with Down syndrome, providing your child with healthy meals
and regular exercise is especially important. Talk to your child's doctor to find out what physical activities your child can safely do.

Education and
training. Your doctor will want updates on your child's academic progress at
school. Also discuss any special programs or treatments (such as physical,
occupational, and speech therapy) that your child is participating in.

Social skills and relationships outside the home. Discuss your
child's general behavior and what kinds of social opportunities he or she has.

Family well-being. Talk about the relationships
between family members and how your child with Down syndrome interacts with
those close to him or her. You also may be asked about financial issues and
future guardianship arrangements for your child.

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